Manchester City line up move for David Villa to replace unsettled Aguero

Sergio Aguero could be on his way out of the Etihad – with Barcelona star David Villa ­already being lined up as a mega-money replacement.

Striker Aguero was a £38million signing from Atletico Madrid just 18 months ago.

And he will remain forever in the hearts of all Blue Moonies after his sensational late winner against QPR on the final day of last season that snatched the Premier League title from Manchester United’s hands.

Sources close to the Argentinian striker claim his spirits are low and he has become unsettled at the club this season after their Champions League exit and amid dressing room unrest.

It is understood that City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano – with their strong Barca links – have ­identified Villa as a potential transfer target.

The Spaniard – a World Cup and European Championship winner – is said to be assessing his future at the Nou Camp following manager Pep Guardiola’s departure in the summer.

Aguero – who scored the opener in City’s 3-1 win at Newcastle yesterday – was upset at City boss Roberto Mancini for publicly ­criticising his strike-force over their lack of goals this season.

Mancini has made no secret of the fact he wants a proven new frontman after failing to land Robin van Persie, who joined arch-rivals United for £24m from Arsenal.

RVP then rubbed City’s noses in it with the late winner in Sunday’s 3-2 derby victory at the Etihad.

Mancini’s pop at his strikers – and midfielder Sami Nasri for his role in van Persie’s goal last week – did not impress Aguero.

He has been eyed by both Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona – and City would expect to recoup his massive transfer fee if he moved on.

Villa, 31, was out for eight months last season and missed Spain’s win at Euro 2012 after breaking a tibia in a Club World Cup match in Japan.

He is fit again and playing, but it is understood he would be open to a big move to England at this stage of his career and that has alerted Begiristain, who is ideally placed to negotiate with his old club.

Begiristain is former director of football at Barcelona and Soriano was financial vice-president and general manager there for five years until 2008. But as the powerful pair go looking for new faces, they have sparked more turmoil behind the scenes by stalling on new contract deals for FOUR of the City’s current stars.

Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and James Milner have just 18 months left on their deals but so far there have been no moves to open ­negotiations.

That has left some players believing Mancini’s own position is far from clear cut and that club chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak and his senior ­management team are waiting to see how the second half of the season unfolds before ­entering into talks with players.

Barry, 32 in February, is most at risk, along with Tevez, who is ­unlikely to be offered – or want – a new deal.

City would be reluctant to give England midfielder Barry a long-term contract as he will be over 33 when his present agreement runs out.

Milner, 27 next month, is looking for a four-year deal while Toure – 30 at the end of the season – has ­publicly stated he wants to finish his career at City.

So far none of the quartet have opened talks – adding more weight to the belief that Mancini could be out in the summer if he does not retain the Premier League trophy that Aguero won for him.

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Source: SundayPeople